To expand access to higher education funding in Cross River State, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) recently organized a key sensitization and stakeholder engagement meeting in Calabar.
The meeting with the theme, “Expanding Access to Higher Education: The role and Impact of NELFUND in Cross River State,” attracted heads of institutions, ICT directors, and students from across the State.
Speaking on the rationale behind the event, the Special Assistant to the Cross Rivers State Governor on Student Affairs, Kelvin Enyam, who was the organizer, said it was prompted by the frequent inquiries from students seeking financial assistance.
“I’ve gone round schools across the State. I’ve done a couple of engagements and students often ask questions on how they can access financial help to pay their fees and to aid them in their studies,” he said.
He affirmed the state government’s commitment to education, stating that “His Excellency will continue to partner and collaborate with relevant agencies, authorities, to ensure that access is given to our young persons, to the people of Cross River, most especially, to enable them access education and other opportunities seamlessly.”
The Technical Assistant to the Managing Director of NELFUND, Nasir Ayitogo, who gave a breakdown of applications received so far for students’ loans from higher institutions in the State, revealed that the University of Calabar (UNICAL) had 7,434 applicants expecting a disbursement of approximately N711 million, while the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) had 7,530 students applying for about N585 million.
Smaller institutions were also noted, including the Federal College of Education, Obudu, which has 868 applicants anticipating N51.2 million, and Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, with 42 student applications.
Ayitogo also provided figures for actual disbursements to date. UNICAL – 5,246 students disbursed to the tune of N509 million. UNICROSS – 6,515 students disbursed to the tune of N507 million. FCE, Obudu – 710 students disbursed N49.7 million. Federal Polytechnic, Ugep – 32 students disbursed N1.69 million.
Ayitogo strongly encouraged eligible students to apply, stressing the dual benefit of the loan.
“Don’t be afraid. Apply for it and receive it. 20,000 upkeep coming to your account every month. It helps a lot. And your
school fees will be paid,” he advised.
The NELFUND official also highlighted the essential roles of both institutions and students in the loan process, detailing the use of two platforms: the Student Verification System (SVS) for institutions to register student data, and the Student Loan Application System (SLAS) for students to submit their loan applications.
